Relationship between Interlimb Asymmetries and Performance Variables in Adolescent Tennis Players

Abstract

Tennis is an individual sport characterised by high-intensity action, including sprints and changes of direction (COD). However, there is a gap in the knowledge of limb asymmetries in adolescent tennis players and their association with performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between asymmetry in vertical and horizontal jump tests (CMJ and HJ) and COD with lower limb performance variables in adolescent tennis players. Forty-five adolescent tennis players (age: 13.81 ± 1.08 years; height: 167.64 ± 9.9 cm; body mass: 57.48 ± 10.94 kg; body mass index: 20.27 ± 2.18 kg/m2) performed the CMJ test (unilateral and bilateral), horizontal jumps (unilateral and bilateral), 25 m sprint, and 180° COD test. The single-leg countermovement jump showed the greatest asymmetries among the different tests (6.62 ± 9.35%). Notable negative relationships were found between CMJ asymmetry and COD asymmetry with unilateral horizontal jump variables (r = −0.30 to −0.53). In addition, CMJ asymmetry showed notable relationships with CMJR (r = 0.49) and COD180R (r = 0.29), whereas COD asymmetry showed a notable relationship with COD180L (r = 0.40). On the other hand, HJ asymmetry showed no notable relationships with any variable. The main findings of this study indicate that greater imbalances in the CMJ and COD tests are associated with a reduced capacity to perform unilateral horizontal jumps. These results suggest the incorporation of training protocols to reduce interlimb asymmetries in growing athletes to improve their performance. This practical application is important for coaches and physical trainers who aim to improve the physical performance of adolescent tennis players. Greater asymmetry results in a reduced ability to produce unilateral horizontal force.